Laurel and Hardy are still entertaining kids

THE comedy of Laurel and Hardy is still making children laugh some 80 years after their films were first made.

Children at Barkston and Syston Primary School regularly watch the duo’s films at an after-school club which was set up by teacher Andy White.

Mr White said: “My dad used to watch Laurel and Hardy and as a kid I used to love them. When I first started working here I realised there was a connection between Stan Laurel’s family and the pub so I used that as a nice excuse.

“When the children were learning about the Second World War I would show them some of the Laurel and Hardy films and they loved them.

“So then we started a little club.”

Seeing the children watch the films first-hand, many are laughing hysterically at the on-screen capers, with the physical, slap-stick comedy proving the most popular.

Mr White said: “What I love is that these films were made 80 years ago and yet they are still making them laugh today.

“They love the slap-stick stuff although sometimes the dialogue goes a little over their heads.”

The club regularly attracts 20 to 25 children to the after-school showings.

Mr White said: “That is about a quarter of the school so it’s a very good take-up really.”